PRICE 15 CENTS 



Frances 
the Suffragette 





THE PkjVPtJBLISHING COMPANY 



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THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY 

PHILADELPHIA 



Frances 
the Suffragette 

A Comedy in Three Acts 

BY 

Agnes Hyde 




PHILADELPHIA 

THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY 

1914 



T6 






Copyright 1913 by The Penn Publishing Company 



©CI.D 41039 

JUN 24 1915 



Frances the Suffragette 



CAST OF CHARACTERS 

Frances Oliver . . . . a Suffragette from the city 
Sophia Jenkins ) . the village " merry 

Caroline Spruce, postmistress j widows " 

Florence YVilkins cousin to Frances 

Madeline Hardwick") 

Rosamond Cummin gs > . . belles of the summer colony 

Ruth Somers ) 

Mrs. Jones Ctfs wife 

Sis Barker Charlie's "gat" 

Lucy Ann Caroline 1 s " little gal" 

Dr. Wilson the new physician 

Cy Jones a farmer, and the constable 

Seth Brown a farmer, and a widower 

Ham Thompson .... from " The Four Corners" 

Charlie Fuller the rural delivery clerk 

Sam Judkins . Wilkins' hired man and footman pro tern. 
Deacon Penniman. 

Time of Playing : — Two hours. 



SYNOPSIS 

Act I. — The village post-office. — A summer shower and 
the arrival of Frances. 

Act II. — Interior of Wilkins home. — Miss Oliver's re- 
ception; the uplifting is begun. 

Act III. — Garden at Wilkins' house. — The next day. — 
The aftermath. 



STORY OF THE PLAY 

Frances Oliver has broken her engagement to Dr. Wilson 
because of her devotion to the suffrage cause. She has been 
recently a "militant" in London, and is now returning to 
her native village in America, and before a group of the 
neighbors in the post-office declares her intention to " set 
the women of the village free." She is embarrassed by- 
finding that Dr. Wilson has come to live in the village, but 
persists in her mission. She arouses the women, who defy 
the men, and smash windows in protest, among them those 
of the doctor's office. Cy Jones, village constable, proposes 
to arrest all the women, including two lively " widders." 
Some of the men, among them the doctor, come to the res- 
cue. Frances finds she still loves him and admits that she 
needs a man's protection, after all. Both the " widders " 
find mates, the prosecution is withdrawn, and the men cheer 
the women. 



COSTUMES, ETC. 



Frances. Act I, modern traveling costume and carries 
leather bag. Act II, elaborate evening dress. Act III, 
pretty summer dress with hat and parasol. Frances is a 
graceful and charming society woman, and should not be 
played in a mannish manner. 

Florence, Ruth, Madeline and Rosamond. Act I, 
stylish summer dresses. Act II, simple evening dresses. 
Act III, summer dresses. 

Caroline and Sophia. Act I, house dresses. Act IT, 
countrified muslin dresses. Act III, same as first, or " coun- 
trified " summer dresses. 

Sis Barker and Mrs. Jones. Act II, countrified "best 
frocks." Act III, countrified summer dresses. Sis should 
be dressed girlishly. 

Lucy Ann. Child's white dress with pinafore. Hair 
arranged in childish manner with large ribbon bows. 

Seth. Wears blond wig and chin whiskers. Act I, over- 



PROPERTIES 5 

alls and wide straw hat. Act II, loud checked suit. Act 
III, same as first or second. 

Cy. Wears black beard. Act I, dresses similar to Seth. 
Act II, old-fashioned dress suit. Swallow-tailed coat too 
short in back and sleeves. Act III, every-day suit, with 
policeman's badge and " billie." 

Dr. Wilson. Act I, summer business suit. Act II, 
evening suit. Act III, same as first, with cane. 

Charlie. Mail carrier's uniform. 

Ham Thompson. Sporty suit, with flashy tie. 

Deacon Penniman. Act II, old-fashioned Prince Albert 
coat with black or light trousers and vest. Act III, same, 
with old-fashioned tall hat. Gray side whiskers. 

Sam Judkins. Act II, footman's uniform. Act III, 
wears part of footman's uniform, but old coat and farmer's 
wide straw hat. 



PROPERTIES 



Caroline, post-cards, letters, wrapped papers, etc. Flor- 
ence, glass of water. Cy, cup of coffee. Seth, piece of 
pie. Ham, whole boiled potato. Lucy Ann, drum. 
Frances, bag, parasol. Charlie, two letters, sealed. 

For all women and girls, banners, flags, badges, etc., 
bearing words, " Votes for Women." 

Glass crash, heard off stage. 

Supper table in Act II should be fully set, with real food, 
biscuits, butter, cake, pie, etc. The coffee served should 
be hot. 

Sound of rain is made by slowly shaking dried peas or 
shot on drum-head. Thunder made by shaking sheet iron, 
and stroke on bass drum. Lightning flash with electric 
torch, or suddenly uncovering bright lantern behind scenes. 



SCENE PLOTS 




Act I. Scene, village post-office. Door up c. Window 
in wall r., if preferred. Post-office boxes and mail window 
up l. Counter l. Chair or box near counter l. Bench R. 
There may also be placards on walls, and goods displayed 
on shelves, counter, in boxes, barrels, etc., to represent 
country store. 



mT£ftlOR BACKING 
% DOOR 




Act II. Scene, a parlor well-furnished. Doors c. and 
L. Chairs down r., up R., and L., as shown. Screen up 
l. hides supper table, or table may be brought in when 
needed. Sofa and small stand down l. Potted plants, etc., 
for decoration if desired. 
6 



SCENE PLOTS 



LAN DSC A Pe DROP 



Q. 



O 




Act III. Scene, garden of country house. Garden seats 
down r. and l. Two garden chairs up l. and r. Bush 
down extreme l. Other garden settings as desired. 

If preferred, by slight changes in lines the interior setting 
of Act II may be used instead. 



Frances the Suffragette 



ACT I 

SCENE. — The village post-office. Post boxes and stamp 
window up l. Counter L. Bench down r. If desired 
goods may be displayed in boxes, barrels, on shelves, on 
counter, etc., to give appearance of country store. 
Placards, handbills, etc., on walls. 

Caroline Spruce {behind counter l., sorting mail'). 
My, them Wilkinses gits a lot of mail. Ma Wilkins had 
three letters this morning, and now here's a pitcher post- 
card from the city for Miss Florence. Land sakes, I don't 
see how they git to know so many in the city. {Looks at 
picture on card.) Flatiron building ? Must be a laundry. 
How on airth people walks up all them stairs, to say nothing 
about doing an ironing when they git to the top, beats me. 
Wonder where they hang their clothes ? {Turns card over 
and reads.) "Dear Florence: I am looking forward to 
my promised visit with much pleasure. You will be sur- 
prised and, I hope, glad to learn that I am coming sooner 
than expected. I got back from London on Saturday. If 
all goes well I will be with you on the twenty-fifth. I have 
great plans for the uplifting, improvement and enlighten- 
ment of my native village. With love, Frances Oliver." 
Well, I declare ! We are all gonna be uplifted, improved, 
and enlightened. Frances Oliver? Wonder who she is? 
Just back from London, hey ? Well, well. 

{Enter Sophia Jenkins, c.) 

Sophia. How de do, Caroline? Looks like rain. I 
hope to goodness it will hold off a spell. Got my washing 
all on the line. Seems like I never wash but it rains. 

{Sits near post-office window.) 



10 FRANCES THE SUFFRAGETTE 

Caroline. Wall, we need the rain bad enough. Hain't 
no water in the cisterns up to the house. How be you, 
Sophia ? 

Sophia. Wall, I hain't exactly myself this morning, Car- 
oline. {Confidently.*) I'd had another offer of marriage. 

Caroline. You don't say ! 

Sophia. Yes. This makes the fifth within three weeks. 
How many you had, Caroline ? 

Caroline. Wall, I hain't one to talk about my heart 
affairs, but I guess I can go you one better. 

Sophia. Who's your latest ? 

Caroline. Ham Thompson, from the Four Corners. 

Sophia. I don't believe it ! He told me I was the only 
one he ever loved — and axed me to be hisn this blessed 
morning on the front porch. 

Caroline. Wall, all I got to say is that you wouldn't 
have had no fifth proposal if I had said yes at the Grangers' 
picnic last week. 

Sophia. You always was a designing critter, Caroline. 
Hain't none of the men safe when you're around. 

{Enter Charlie Fuller, c. He stands at door, grinning.) 

Caroline. Wall, I let my fust git cold affore I began 
casting my eyes around for a second, and that is more'n 
could be said fer some folks I could name. 

Sophia (rising). If you mean me, Caroline, I 

(Charlie dances in whistling " Merry Widow Waltz.' 1 ) 

Charlie. Oh, these merry widders ! 'Spect I'll have 
to propose myself before long. Eh, Sophia ? 

{Chases her about room and tries to kiss her. Charlie 
should be played as a merry, boyish character, fond of 
teasing.) 

Sophia (beating him with sunbonnet). You go 'long, 
Charlie, or I'll tell your father. 

Caroline. You better be careful, Charlie. She might 
git up a breach of promise suit. 

Charlie (sitting on chair or box, extreme r.). You 
better be getting along home, Mis' Jenkins. There's rain 
coming, sure. I thought it would catch me before I got 
my route finished. Just got my wheel fixed, too ; thought 



FRANCES THE SUFFRAGETTE 1 I 

I was a-gonna get a chance to use it this afternoon. Now I 
suppose I'll have to splash through the mud for a week. 

(Enter Seth Brown, c.) 

Seth (looking off). Well, thank goodness, it looks like 
we was a-gonna git some rain. I've tomato plants, and 
cabbages, and sallary, and letucesses all a-growing to 
spindles, waiting for a shower to set 'em out in. If there 
hain't no hitch in this one I may save 'em yet, but if them 
clouds don't mean rain I'm a ruined man. 

(Sits on bench r., next to Charlie's chair.) 

Sophia.. Wall, I sartenly hope it won't rain, with my 
washing on the line. (Sits on chair up l., near counter.) 

Caroline. Seth Brown, who's Frances Oliver? 

Sophia (eagerly). Why, ain't that the young woman 
the' was so much talk about in the papers ? 

Caroline. In the papers ! Land sakes. What did 
she do ? 

Sophia.. Why, she was took up in London fer smashin' 
winders. 

Caroline. You don't mean she's one of them suffra- 
gettes ? 

Seth (excited). That's it — that's it. I remember now. 
We was all talkin* about it over to Four Corners one day. 
Why, she's the daughter of old Pop Oliver — used to live 
here. Why, I guess she was born here. 

Caroline. That's what she says. She's cousin to the 
Wilkinses. An' she's comin' here to eddicate us an' polish 
us up. 

Seth. You don't say ? Wall, I'm glad on it. I'm 
thinking of eddicating my sister's gal, and I'll git a chance 
to see what polishing up is like. How'd you know she's 
coming ? 

Caroline. You hain't no call to ax that question, Seth 
Brown. If folks don't want things known they needn't 
write 'em on post-cards. 

Sophia. Better not send any more love cards through 
this office, Seth. 

Charlie. Unless .you send them to the postmistress. 

{All laugh.) 
Seth. Don't care if I do, eh, Caroline? 



12 FRANCES THE SUFFRAGETTE 

{All laugh.) 

Sophia. There now, she's pleased. She's been a-wanting 
ye to say that. 

Charlie. Oh, these widows ! 

[Enter Cy Jones, c.) 

Cy (angrily'). I'll be blamed if it hain't a-gonna rain ! 
I've fifty ton of hay all ready to come in. I've all the men 
and hosses at work on it now, but they can't git it in affore 
that cloud comes up, nohow. If that hay's spiled I'll have 
to mortgage the place or sell out. 

(Goes to office window L. and gets mail.) 

Seth. Now what's the use of talking that way, Cy ? 
Hain't we farmers been jest a-waiting for this rain ? 

Cy {sitting o?i bench r.). Now, look-a-here, Seth. If 
you think I'm gonna git my hay all spoiled for the sake of 
your measly crops, ye' re mistaken. 

Sophia. Yes, and what about my washing, Seth Brown ? 

Caroline. Land sakes, I'm glad I don't have to say 
whether it will rain or not ! 

(Enter hurriedly, c, Madeline Hardwick, Florence 
Wilkins, Rosamond Cummings and Ruth Somers.) 

Ruth (at door, looking off). It is coming, sure. Just 
look at that cloud ! 

Rosamond. How are we going to get home ? 

Florence. Our dresses will all be ruined ! 

Madeline. Our strawberries are all drying up. This 
will help them if it is much of a shower. 

Caroline. Wall, for my part I'm glad on it. The cis- 
terns up to the house are all dry. I hope it will rain for a 
week. 

Florence. Oh, horrors ! And the Methodist lawn 
party comes to-night. 

Caroline. Miss Florence, you jest come in time. Here's 
a pitcher post-card from your Cousin Frances. (Gives card.) 

Florence (after reading card). Oh, girls, what sport ! 
Cousin Frances is coming here to uplift, improve and 
enlighten the village. 

(As she speaks the girls gather around her, l. c, and look 
at card.) 



FRANCES THE SUFFRAGETTE 13 

Sophia. How's she gonna improve us ? Hain't we got 
a Village Improvement Society here a'ready ? 

Cy. Wonder what she's gonna uplift? S'pose she's 
gonna try her hand at that land boom over to the Four 
Corners ? 

{All laugh.) 

Seth. Like to know how she's gonna enlighten the 
village. S'pose she's gonna put up them air 'lectric lights ? 

{All laugh.') 

Florence. Well, we're in for something exciting, that's 
sure. Girls, she's a suffragette — the militant kind. She's 
just back from London. 

Madeline. Oh, lovely. Did she see any of that window 
smashing ? 

Sophia {grimly). Wall, I should say she did. She was 
put in the lock-up for it. Pretty doin's, I say. 

Florence {smiling). Oh, Frances does nothing by 
halves. She's for the Cause, heart and soul. {Looks at 
card.) She says she will be here on the twenty-fifth. 

Ruth. Why, that's to-day ! 

Madeline. And the coach must be almost in from 
Millerstown ! 

Rosamond. And here comes the rain ! {Rain and dis- 
tant thunder heard.) Just listen to it ! 

Florence. Oh, the Methodist lawn party ! 

Charlie. Hang it, not a chance to use my wheel for a 
week ! 
■ Cy. There goes fifty ton of hay ! 

Sophia. And my washing ! 

Madeline. Our strawberries will be saved. 

Seth {in delight). Hurrah, hurrah, my plants are saved ! 
My plants are saved ! 

Caroline. And our cisterns will be all filled up. The 
dry spell is broken. 

Florence {looking through window). Good gracious ! 
There's the stage, and here comes Cousin Frances now! 
Open the door quick ; she will be drenched ! (Florence 
runs out c, and reenters c, with Frances Oliver, who is 
shaking rain front garments.) Oh, Cousin Frances, I am 
so sorry — I only just now got your post-card — and this awful 
rain — and no one to meet you 



14 FRANCES THE SUFFRAGETTE 

Frances. There, there, Florence, you cannot help the 
delayed mails nor the rain either. The men who run our 
railroads are responsible for the first, and nature for the ele- 
ments. But nature never made those roads out there. 
Three minutes' rain and mud everywhere. {Turns to the 
men.) Are there any selectmen here? 

( The men have risen and are standing staring at her.) 

Cy {pushing Seth forward). Seth, here, is one of our 
leading lights. 

Florence. Miss Oliver, Mr. Jones, Mr. Brown. 

(Florence bows.) 

Cy. Own up like a man, Seth. 

Seth. Wall, I calkilate I have had the honor to be voted 
in for this deestrict. 

Frances. Well, why don't you do something about those 
roads ? 

Seth. Well, you see, miss, yer can't fix things up all to 
once. Can't take the bread and butter out of people's 
mouths. If we fixed them roads up too slick they wouldn't 
need no repairing, and then where would we be? 

Frances. Just like the men. They never can give a 
straight answer. Bad roads are nothing but a joke to them. 
(Ti/r?is to the women.) But we women have the power to 
change all this. I am here to sow the seeds of a mighty 
future even in this little village, and may we and all our sis- 
ter women in the wide world live to see and reap the harvest. 
Votes for Women ! is my motto ! 

Caroline. Wall, she's a suffragette, all right. 

Sophia {to Caroline). They don't git many proposals, 
do they ? 

(Caroline shakes head.) 

Ruth. Oh, girls, a suffragette right here in our midst ! 

Madeline. And dressed so stunningly, too. 

Rosamond. Yes, right up to date. I am half converted 
already. 

Frances. There's a suffrage amendment to be voted on 
in this state in the fall. Are you working for it? 

{Points to Seth.) 



FRANCES THE SUFFRAGETTE 1 5 

Seth {confused). Who, me, ma'am ? I — I ain't heard 
about it. 

Frances (a, girls in group l.). Well, you will. You'll 
hear a lot about it. That's. what I'm here for ! This, my 
native village, shall come out into the sunlight. It shall be 
improved, uplifted and enlightened, and justice shall be 
done to all ! 

Cy. Land er Goshen, Seth, ye're a politician ; what's she 
a-talking about ? 

Seth. Blamed if I know. I've heered as how all the 
women were a-going crazy, and I believe it now. . 

Charlie. Hope she ain't gonna find no fault with the 
rural delivery system. 

(Ruth and other girls get mail at counter and open it gig- 
gling down l., during the following dialogue.) 

Ruth. Isn't this a lark ! 

Florence. I'm not sure I like to hear a cousin of mine 
talking that way in public. (Goes to her.) Frances, don't 
you think we had better go home ? The rain is about 
over. 

Cy. Rain let up, has it ? Then I may save a few loads 
of hay yet. 

{Exit, c.) 

Seth. And hain't I a-gonna git them plants out after all ? 
{Rises and stretches. Frances goes up to door c.) 

Frances {at door a). What, out into all that mud? 
Never! (Comes back to c.) Will some one please call a 
taxi? 

All {except Charlie and Seth). A taxi? 

Charlie (with the others). A what? 

Seth (with the others). For the land's sake ! 

Florence. Cousin Frances, we do not have taxicabs 
here. You are not in the city now, you know. 

Frances. No taxicabs ? Then what do you do when 
you want to go anywhere ? 

Seth. Wall, I reckon we hitch up a rig, or walk. 

Frances. Come, then, let us run between the showers. 

Seth. I calkilate you won't run fur in them high heels. 

Francfs. Did I not say that this village needed im- 
provement ? No taxicabs — and the men pass sarcastic re- 



l6 FRANCES THE SUFFRAGETTE 

marks upon the women's wearing apparel. I must attend 
to their manners, too, it seems. {Goes to door.) Well, if 
we must walk, we must. (She pauses at door c, points off 
r., and speaks /<? Florence in a startled 'manner.) Oh, who 
is that man crossing over the street? 

Florence. Why, that is Dr. Wilson — he's our new 
physician. 

Frances {aside and coming down r.). Dr. Wilson? 
Who would have dreamed of his being away up here in this 
tiny village? I must not meet him ! 

Sophia. I reckon he's a-going to visit Deacon Penniman. 
Poor man, he hain't had a day's health sence he lost his 
wife. He needs cheering up more'n medicine. 

Charlie. Why don't you try and lighten up his spirits, 
Sophia? Wouldn't be a. bad match. 

(Girls laugh.') 

Sophia. You go 'long, Charlie. 

Caroline. You come in here, Charlie, and help me git 
the doctor's mail ready. He'll be coming in here after it, 
and you know he hain't got no time for fooling. 

(Charlie goes behind counter l.) 

Frances. Oh, Florence, that man — Dr. Wilson — I can't 
meet him. 

Florence. Why, Cousin Frances, you don't mean — he 
isn't the Dr. Wilson you were engaged to? 

Frances. Yes. Js there no other door into the street 
but this one? (Points to door c. ) 

Florence. No; I'm sorry. 

Frances. Let us hurry, then, before the rain comes 
again. 

( They go toward door c. Dr. Wilson enters c. He pauses 
as he sees Frances.) 

Dr. W. (in astonishment). Frances ! 

Frances (going close to him and speaking in low, intense 
tone). Believe me, I did not know you were here. 

Dr. W. Do not distress yourself. We shall meet as per- 
fect strangers hereafter. 

(He bows, goes to counter l., and gets mail.) 

Frances. I bid you all good- afternoon, friends, and 



FRANCES THE SUFFRAGETTE 1 7 

hope to see you all at my reception this day week, when I 
intend to begin my campaign of improvement. 

(She starts to go out door. Rain begins again heavily. 
Frances pauses. ) 

(Enter Cy c, a fid goes about wringing hands.') 

Cy. My hay ! My hay ! 

Seth (dancing a jig). My plants are saved ! My plants 
are saved ! 

Sophia. Oh, my washing, my washing ! 
Caroline. Now there'll be water in the cisterns ! 
Florence. Oh, those poor lawn party people ! 
Charlie. No chance to use my wheel for a week ! 
Madeline. Now we shall get some strawberries ! 

-r, * !■ Our dresses will be ruined ! 

Rosamond, j 

Frances (up c, astonished). What is the matter with 
all these people ? 

Caroline. Wall, you see, the girls don't want it to rain 
because they want to show their pretty dresses at the lawn 
party to-night — an' Seth Brown he wants it to rain because 
he's got a million plants more or less to set out — an' Cy he 
don't want it to rain because he's got fifty ton of hay ready 
to bring in — an' Sophia she don't want it to rain because 
her washing is all on the line — an' I want it to rain because 
the cisterns up to the house are all dry — an' Charlie he 
don't want it to rain because he wants to use his wheel — an' 
Madeline 

Frances (interrupting). Mercy, what a tangle ! Now, 
my friends and sisters, let me impress this upon you. When 
all the weather-clerks are women we shall know what the 
weather is going to be at least a week in advance, and 
everybody can make plans in safety. There will be no such 
confusion as this. Votes for Women ! 

(Rain groivs heavier. Thunder and lightning. All repeat 
speeches as before, but all together, making a pande- 
monium.') 



curtain 



ACT II 

SCENE. — Frances' reception. Parlor at the Wilkins home. 
Room well furnislied and with taste. Doors l. and 
up c. Three chairs R., one down extreme R., and one 
up l. Small stand down extreme l. Small chair, 
higher than others, in corner up r. Supper table 
may be set ready in corner up l., or it may be ready in 
wings ajid pushed forward when supper is announced. 
If set in corner it may be concealed by a screen until it 
is needed and then pushed to center by Sam Judkins. 
Further directions regarding supper table will be found 
later on in act. 

Seth {entering a). Reckon I'm early. Don't seem to 
be nobody 'round here yet. [Comes down c.) Now if 
Caroline or Sophia would only happen in it would be a 
good chance to pop the question. I've made up my mind 
that I'm a-gonna git one of them widders. I don't care 
much which. I'll just ask the fust one I git a chance to 
pop to. 

Sophia {entering l.). Land sakes, Seth, you here so 
soon? (Seth looks pleased.) I'm a-helping Miss Florence 
out, 'cause Pa and Ma Wilkins was called over to Millers- 
town, and they can't git back in time, nohow. Thought I 
heard some one in here. (She straightens chair down r.) 

Seth {getting chair l. and placing it near hers down r.). 
Set down, Sophia. (Sophia sits. ) I was jest a-wishing 
you'd come in. {Sits in chair near Sophia.) I was a- want- 
ing to say something to ye, Sophia. 

(Draws chair a little nearer.) 

Sophia (aside). Gracious ! I believe I'm a-gonna git 
another proposal. (Very sweetly.) What were you a-gonna 
say, Seth ? 

Seth (drawing chair a little nearer). Wall, I was jest 

a You see, Sophia, I thought — I mean I was a-gonna 

— I was a-thinking — that — that (In a sudden burst.) 

Sophia, I hain't had a decent square meal sence Jerusha 
died. 

18 



FRANCES THE SUFFRAGETTE 19 

SOPHIA {drawing chair a little nearer and speaking very 
sweetly). Yes, Seth? Now, that's too bad. 

Seth {drawing chair a little nearer at eve7y pause). 
And ye see — that is, I thought — perhaps — I was a-gonna — 

and — and {Another burst.) And there don't seem 

to be no buttons on anything. 

Sophia {sweetly, looking into his face, chairs near to- 
gether). Yes, Seth ? (A pause.) What was you goin' to 
say, Seth ? 

Seth (Jumping up and going up L.). Gosh, it ain't no 
use ! I can't pop with her a-looking at me so. Guess I'll 
wait for Caroline. 

Sophia (aside). Ain't he the provoking thing ! Thought 
I was a-gonna git a chance to tell Caroline I had another 
proposal. (Looks L.) Oh, Seth, here comes Miss Oliver 
and Florence. She got on one of them dresses jest like the 
fashion plates. (Goes up L. to him.) Land sakes, Seth, 
maybe we hain't dressed right for a swell reception. 

Seth. Now, look-a-here, Sophia, I got on my best suit 
of clothes. Hiram Watkins says he hain't never turned out 
a better, an' I'll be blamed if I'm a-gonna put on low necks 
and short sleeves for anybody. (Chuckles.) 

(Enter Frances and Florence, l.) 

Frances. Oh, how nice the parlor looks, Mrs. Jenkins. 

Sophia. Well, I guess 'tain't the fust time I've fixed up 
for company. (To Seth, who stands in embarrassed atti- 
tude.) Seth Brown, come here and make your bow to the 
ladies. 

(Florence moves down l. in front of sofa. Frances is on 
her right, a little up stage. Seth comes dowji l. ) 

Frances. I'm glad to see you, Mr. Brown. 

(Sophia goes r. and sits, spreading her skirts with a great 
show of being perfectly at home. There is a vacant chair 
at her left.) 

Seth. "How de do, Miss Oliver ? (Frances offers high 
hand-shake. Seth, looking around at Sophia, does not see 
her hand, but gropes for low hand- shake. Looks up, sees 
hand, looks surprised, then shakes. Greets Florence also.) 
The hired man, who was so dressed up I did not know him 



20 FRANCES THE SUFFRAGETTE 

ai fust, told me where to put my hat and then I came in 
here. Thought mabby I'd find some one. 

(Sam enters c. and stands stiffly left of doorway as he an- 
nounces guests. He stands until guest has passed him, 
then exits. This business is repeated every time he makes 
an announcement.} 

Sam {left of door c). Cy Jones and wife. 

{Enter Cy and Mrs. Jones. Seth goes r. as Cy enters. 
He gets chair r. and places it right of Sophia and sits. 
Sam exits. Cy comes down c. with wife on arm to 
Frances. She offers hi^h hand- shake. He takes hand 
and shakes it vigorously up and down. Mrs. J. also 
shakes hands. She is on Cy's right.) 

Florence. You must shake hands with me too, Cy. 
You know I am receiving with Cousin Frances. 

Cy {shaking hands). Wall, I'm mighty glad to see ye, 
Florence, though it don't seem more'n ten minutes sence I 
seed ye afore. 

(Mrs. J. pulls him up r. c. by coat-tails.) 

Mrs. J. What'd she mean by "receiving," Cy? S'pose 
they expected us to bring presents ? 
Cy. Blamed if I know. 

{They stand up r. c. in embarrassed manner.) 

Mrs. J. What do we do now, Cy? 
Cy. I don no. 

(Florence and Frances converse, and so do Seth and 
Sophia.) 

Mrs. J, I most wisht I was to hum. I'd orter have on 
a low-necked dress like Miss Oliver and Florence. 

Cy. Reckon ye're all right, Hannah. There's Sophia 
Jenkins over there just got on her meeting frock. Guess 
she'd know how to dress. Them widders is up to every- 
thing. 

{They go down r. to Sophia. Cy tries to sit in chair be- 
side Sophia. Mrs. J. pulls him back. They sit down 
in chairs behind Sophia and Seth. As each guest is 



FRANCES THE SUFFRAGETTE 21 

announced they stare at them as they enter. They do not 
look when Dr. W. is announced.} 

Sam (at door). Mrs. Caroline Spruce and daughter. 
{They enter ; Sam a//y.) 

Frances. How do you do, Mrs. Spruce ? 

Caroline {shaking hands). How de do, Miss Oliver? 
How de do, Florence? I'm glad to see ye. Lucy Ann, 
hold up your head, and shake hands with Miss Oliver. 
This is ray little gal. 

Lucy Ann. Ma, can't I take off my pinafore? Hain't 
nobody else got 'em on. 

Caroline. 'Spect Lucy Ann's afraid folks won't think 
she's dressed up 'cause she's got her pinafore on. But she's 
got her best white dress on underneath. You see, Miss 
Oliver, she's one of them careless gals. I'm a-washing and 
a-ironing for her all the hull time. I thought as how 
there'd mabbe be something to eat here and she'd better 
wear her pinafore and keep her dress clean. Now, Lucy 
Ann, you go set down. (Lucy Ann crosses r., and sits in 
chair left of Sophia.) No, don't set in that chair. Some of 
the big folks' 11 want that chair. You set in that little chair 
over in the corner. 

Lucy Ann. I don't want to set in the corner, ma ! 

Caroline. Now you be a good gal and do jest as I tell 
ye, Lucy Ann. {Takes her over to chair in corner up r.) 
Don't stick yer feet out so, and hold up yer head. Don't 
look so scart. Hain't nobody gonna hurt ye. There now, 
you set still. 

Lucy Ann. I don't want to set still, ma ! 

Caroline. Now you be a good gal, and do as I tell 
you. 

Seth {aside). Never saw such a careful mother as Car- 
oline. Reckon there wouldn't be no buttons off if I could 
git her. 

(Caroline comes down and sits in chair left of Sophia. 
They greet each other. Seth greets Caroline.) 

Sam {at door). Miss Rosamond Cummings, Miss Ruth 
Somers, and Miss Madeline Hard wick. 

{They enter ; Sam exits.') 



22 FRANCES THE SUFFRAGETTE 

Frances. Ah, Florence, it is on such as these the future 
of our sex depends. 

Rosamond {coming down l., and shaking hands'). Oh, 
Miss Oliver, we have been longing for this night to come, 
ever since our talks with you on the great subject. 

{Passes to Florence.) 

Ruth {shaking hands with Frances). ■ You have con- 
verted us all. We wait only the opportunity to break the 
trammels of the past. 

Frances. The opportunity is near at hand. 

(Ruth passes to Florence.) 

Madeline (to Frances). Let us hold up your hands in 
this great work. 

Frances. There will be work for all in the campaign 
for the suffrage amendment. 

(Madeline passes to Florence. The three girls and 
Florence are thus grouped down extreme r.) 

Sam (at door). Mr. Charles Fuller and his gal. 

(Charlie and Sis Barker pause in doorway in lover-like 
manner during Sophia's speech.) 

Sophia (rising). Why, there's Charlie, and he's got his 
gal with him. (Seth rises.) Now they'll do nothing but 
spoon the hull evening. 

(Charlie and Sis enter c. and come doum to Frances. 
They shake hands with her and with Florence, and 
talk to girls during Caroline's speech.) 

Caroline. Land sakes, he's got his uniform on. He'd 
ought to worn his Sunday clothes. He's so scart folks won't 
know he's the rural delivery clerk that he wears his uniform 
the hull time. 

(Sis pulls Charlie c.) 

Sis. What'd that man go and shout out "Charlie Fuller 
and his gal " for? I think he's'just horrid ! 
Charlie. Well, hain't you my gal? 
Sis. Course I be. 



FRANCES THE SUFFRAGETTE 23 

Charlie. Well, what'd you want to hide it for? 

Sis. But there hain't no need to shout it out so. It 
makes me feel shamed. 

Charlie {putting arm about her). Well, let's go over 
here and argue it out. 

{They go to diva?i up R.) 

Sophia. There, they're beginning a'ready. It 'most 
makes me sick. 

Caroline. Wall, I reckon you can spoon a little yerself, 
Sophia, when you git the chance. 

{They talk and Sophia giggles frequently.) 

Sam (at door). Deacon Penniman. 

(Sam exits. Deacon Penniman enters c. and comes down 
to Frances.) 

Deacon. How de do, Miss Oliver? How de do, Flor- 
ence? How de do, young ladies? (Sees Sophia and 
Caroline.) Wall, if there hain't Sophia and Caroline. 
(Goes to them.) How de do, Caroline? How de do, 
Sophia? How de do, Cy? How de do, Mrs. Jones? 
How de do, Seth ? How de do, everybody ? 

(They all greet him and make much of him. Deacon, Cy 
and Seth gather arou?id widoius. Mrs. J. shows un- 
easiness.) 

Sam [at door). Ham Thompson, from the Four Corners. 

(Ham Thompson appears c, and talks to Sam during 
Sophia's speech.) 

Sophia. Land sakes. Caroline, here's Ham Thompson \ 
Why didn't you tell me he was a-coming? 
Caroline. How'd I know ? 

(Ham comes down to Frances.) 

Ham. How de do, Miss Oliver — Florence? 

(He shakes hands.) 

Frances. Mr. Thompson, are you going to work for the 
suffrage amendment ? 



24 FRANCES THE SUFFRAGETTE 

Ham {confused). Why, you see — I, well, I ain't had 
time yet to ask any of the boys how they're goin' to vote. 
Frances. If you want advice ask the girls. 
Madeline. Yes, you come to us, Mr. Thompson. 

{The girls beckon to him, laughing, but he backs away, half 
embarrassed. Mrs. J. pulls Cy r. and scolds him.') 

Sophia. My, don't Ham look swell, though? Come 
over here and set down, Ham. 

Ham {relieved). Thanks. Guess I will. 

{He gets a chair and sits beside Caroline. Madeline, 
Ruth and Rosamond go up r. c. and talk to Cy.) 

Florence. He means well, Frances, and he's quite a 
politician over at the Four Corners. I invited him because 
he is interested in the widows. If you convert them you'll 
get Ham, too. 

Frances {laughing). Those two widows seem to be the 
center of attraction in this village. 

Sam {at door). Dr. Wilson. 

{Enter Dr. W. at door c. Sam exits.) 

Frances {aside). Dr. Wilson ! I did not dream that 
he would come. {Moves down l. and leans against stand.) 
Florence. Why, what is the matter, Frances? 
Frances. I feel ill. 
Florence. Let me get you some water. 

{Exit Florence, l.) 

Dr. W. {coming down to Frances). Good-evening, 
Miss Oliver. 

Frances. So you came. I did not expect it. 

Dr. VV. Yes, I came. I could not slight Miss Florence's 
invitation. I am only a struggling country doctor now, and 
must make friends. 

Frances. Please leave me. Do not talk to me. {He 
bows. Florence returns with water.) Ah, thank you, 
Florence. (Frances drinks, then puts glass on stand. Dr. 
W. greets Florence, then goes up r. c. to girls.) I did 
not think it would be so hard. I must not give way. I 
have my life-work to perform. 

Florence. Do you feel better now, Frances? 



FRANCES THE SUFFRAGETTE 25 

Frances. Yes, dear. 

Florence. Supper is ready. 

Frances [surprised'). Supper ? 

Florence. Yes. I know it is not fashionable, but the 
majority of these good people would be embarrassed and 
uncomfortable with the city style of reception refreshments, 
and enjoy nothing so much as a good country "bet down " 
supper, as they call it. 

Frances {crossing to guests'). My friends, supper is 
served. 

{At the word supper all are delighted. Sam brings table c. 
// is arranged up and down stage. Frances with Flor- 
ence sits up c. at head of table facing audience. Lucy 
Ann sits at front with back to audience. At right side f 
beginning at front, Seth, Madeline, Dr. YV\, Ruth, 
Rosamond, Deacon. At left, beginning at front, Mrs. J., 
Cy, Sophia, Ham, Sis and Charlie. If desired the 
curtain may be dropped while table is arranged. At rise 
of curtain all should be in their seats except Lucy Ann.) 

Caroline {seating Lucv Ann). Now, Lucy Ann, you 
set there. You be a good gal and don't eat too much. 

Lucy Ann {pointing). Ma, can't I have some of that 
frosted cake ? 

Caroline. Now, Lucy Ann, you mind what I told you, 
and don't ax for nothing 'cept it's give to you fust. 'Sides, 
you got to eat plain food fust afore you git pie and cake. 
{Tucks napkin under Lucy Ann's chin.) Now, don't you 
go mussing yerself all up. Miss Florence, you set right still, 
an' Sophia an' me'U bring in the coffee and hot biscuit. 
Seth, you keep an eye on Lucy Ann, an' see thet she don't 
git into no mischief. 

{Exeunt Caroline and Sophia, l.) 

Seth. Don't you want a piece of pie, Lucy Ann ? 
Lucy Ann. My ma says I can't have no pie, 'cept I eat 
plain food fust. My pa used to give me pie. 
Cy. How'd you like a new pa, Lucy Ann ? 
Lucy Ann. Who'd he be? 
Cy. How'd Seth suit ye ? 

{All laugh.) 



26 FRANCES THE SUFFRAGETTE 

Lucy Ann. I donno. I'll ask my ma. 

{All laugh.') 

{Enter Sophia and Caroline, l., with coffee and biscuits. 
Sophia stays left of table, Caroline goes right. They 
help both sides at the same time, so that when they reach 
the foot all have been served. As Caroline finishes she 
crosses l. to Sophia.) 

Lucy Ann (as they enter with coffee and biscuits). I 
want a hot biscuit, ma. Gimme a hot biscuit ! 

Caroline. Now, Lucy Ann, you wait till I git to your 
end of the table. 

Sophia. My, that coffee's hot. It's all creamed, and 
you can sugar it yourself. Ain't that right, Miss Florence ? 

Florence. Yes, Sophia. 

(All have started to eat.) 

Frances. Florence, they do not eat properly. 

Florence. Never mind, Frances, they are happy. 

Frances. But I will mind, Florence. I came here to 
improve this village, and I cannot sit here and see them 
breaking the rules of table etiquette. (Seth has been eating 
pie with a knife.) Mr. Brown, I hope you will pardon me, 
but you know it is considered improper to eat pie with a 
knife. (She has risen.) 

Seth. Land sakes, how's a fellow gonna eat it, then ? 

Frances. With a fork, of course.- (Cy has been drink- 
ing from his saucer.) Mr. Jones, it is bad manners to pour 
your coffee into your saucer. 

Mrs. J. There. What'd I tell ye? 

Cy. But it's hot. 

Frances. Then wait until it cools. (Ham has a whole 
potato on his fork and is biting it.) Mr. Thompson, you 
should not bite a whole potato so. 

Ham. Wall now, Miss Oliver, dad alius ate 'em so, 
and it comes natural. 

Frances (to Charlie, who has been sitting with his arm 
around his girl feeding her with dainty morsels). Mr. 
Charles Fuller, it is not proper to make love in public. 

Charlie. But she's my sweetheart, Miss Oliver. 'Sides, 
she don't mind, do you, Sis? She ain't one of them 
women's rights gals, be ye, Sis ? 



FRANCES THE SUFFRAGETTE 2J 

Sis (bridling). Well, I guess I kin think as I like, 
can't 1 ? 

Charlie (surprised). Why, Sis ! 

Frances. There it is again — the masculine contempt 
for woman's mind. Don't you know that the day for ridi- 
cule and derision of woman has gone by ? Now the fairest 
of our youth and beauty have banded themselves together to 
lift up our downtrodden sex. I have brought you together 
to-night that you might learn this fact. Yes, from ocean to 
ocean, and from continent to continent the leaven is work- 
ing, and it will continue to work until from every city mart, 
from every country square, and from every isolated village 
will come the cry, Votes for Women! (Girls applaud.) 
Then will justice be done. Then no more will lovely 
woman be classed lower than the negro and the untutored 
immigrant to our shores. Then no longer will one-half of 
our community suffer taxation without representation. (The 
girls applaud.} Then will woman not only have the power 
to use her influence for good, but will be able to help reform 
and elevate all mankind, and to bear a part in all move- 
ments for the uplifting of the world. 

Cy. We thought when you fust come, Miss Oliver, that 
you was a-gonna uplift that land boom over to the Four 
Corners. 

(All laugh.) 

Ham. That's what I was told. Seth Brown, he told me 
so. But I knowed he was a-jokin'. 

Cy. It seems it's the world ye're a-gonna take a heave 
at, Miss Oliver. Wall, that's a pretty tough job. The men 
have been a- trying that for a good many centuries, and they 
hain't managed it yet. 

Frances. No, nor ever will until woman is by their side 
in equality. She has labored for man in the past, but not 
by his side with equal rights. To her he owes all those 
gentle, refining influences which raise man above the sordid 
level. But for her he would sink into barbarism. 1 ask 
these men here, you Cy Jones, you Ham Thompson, you 
Seth Brown, where, where would man be to-day if it were 
not for woman ? 

Seth. Wall, now, I reckon he'd be in the garden of 
Eden, eating strawberries. 

(All laugh except Frances and the girls.) 



28 FRANCES THE SUFFRAGETTE 

Frances. Always jest and ridicule. Friends, the time 
has come for action. We women want to know where we 
stand in this community. Now — how many of you gentle- 
men are going to work and vote for the suffrage amend- 
ment ? Please hold up your hands. 

{The men look at each other alarmed. Ham looks at Caro- 
line, who is standing r. She glares at him, and he 
starts timidly to put up his hand. Cy snatches it down.) 

Cy. You ain't goin' to do no sech thing, Ham Thomp- 
son. 

Mrs. J. You let Ham be, Cy Jones. 

(Cy looks at his wife in astonishment.^) 

Frances. What — not one who is man enough to help us 
fight our cause? Well, we will show we are strong enough 
to win it alone. Sister suffragettes, I call on you for your 
support. {Goes left of table. Girls rise.) 

Florence {getting up on chair). At first I did not under- 
stand and was not interested, but since I have listened to my 
cousin's teachings the past week I realize that woman does 
not hold her just place in the world, and I take my stand 
beside Cousin Frances in this noble work. 

All the Girls and Frances. Votes for Women ! 

(Florence gets down and goes l. to Frances.) 

Rosamond {on chair). Yes, let us unfurl the banner of 
progress ! Let us be free and demand the ballot ! 

{The girls should render these speeches in a very dramatic 
manner.) 

Ham. My gracious, girls, what's comirT now ? 
All the Girls and Frances. Votes for Women ! 

(Rosamond goes to Frances.) 

Ruth {on chair). Away with oppression and servitude 
in all its forms ! Let us wave the banner of equal rights ! 
Never again shall woman be the slave of man ! 

All the Girls and Frances. Votes for Women ! 

(Ruth goes to Frances.) 
Madeline {on chair). Blessings have come to us from 



FRANCES THE SUFFRAGETTE 20, 

Miss Oliver's visit. The very day of her arrival the long 
looked for rain came to us and watered the parched soil. 

Seth. Wall, now, thet's so. My plants were all saved. 

Cy. But what about my hay? It warn't no good. 

Madeline. As the thirsty land drank in the life-giving 
moisture on that day, so we drink in the soul-stirring teach- 
ings of Miss Oliver, and we cry 

All the Girls and Frances. Votes for Women ! 

(Madeline goes to Frances.) 

Dr. W. (springing to his feet). Enough of this ! ( Comes 
down R. and confronts Frances doivn l.) You have come 
here to cast a firebrand into this quiet community — to bring 
the discontent and unrest of the noisy city into this peaceful 
and happy village ! 

Frances. All the world must learn that woman is man's 
equal. 

Dr. W. When you say that woman is man's equal you 
are wrong. In all those liner qualities you spoke of she is 
his superior. 

Frances. But not fit to be trusted with the ballot. 

Dr. W. When she wins the ballot she is no longer to be 
considered man's superior. What ! Shall we men, woman's 
natural protectors, hurl those whom we reverence, our wives, 
our sisters, our sweethearts, into the mire and calumny, the 
graft and dishonesty, of the polling booth and the political 
machine? Never! 

Frances. No, never ! For when woman has the ballot 
there will be no mire and calumny, no graft and dishonesty. 
It will all be purified and elevated ! 

Mrs. J. (rising). There, ye hear that, Cy Jones ? I'm 
a-goin' to have a vote. (Goes l.) 

Cy (holding her). You ain't, neither. Come back here. 

Mrs. J. I am, I tell you. You lemme loose. 

(Pulls away and joins girls l.) 

All the Women. Votes for Women ! 

(Sis joins Sophia and Caroline r., and shouts with the 
other women.) 

Dr. W. Let me out of this Bedlam ! 
{Exit, excitedly c.) 



3<D FRANCES THE SUFFRAGETTE 

Seth (laughing). Wall, if the doctor hain't gone off 
mad. I don't see nothing to git mad about, do you, Cy? 

Cy. Blamed if I do. It's the best fun I've had for a 
month ! 

Ham. Beats the circus over to the Four Corners all to 
smash. 

Frances. You hear, sisters? They will not take us 
seriously. But we must compel them to do so. There is only 
one way, force ! No great movement was ever achieved in 
this world without force. Sister suffragettes, are you with 
me to the bitter end, if need be? 

The Girls. We are with you heart and soul ! 

Frances. And you, Caroline? 

Caroline. Wall, I hain't got nothing agin the men. 
(Men applaud.) And I don't know as I'm a-hankering 
after the ballot, but I hain't a-going agin my sister women, 
no, siree. 

{She goes l., and is welcomed by Frances and girls ivith 
cheers. Men look crestfallen.) 

Frances. And you, Sophia? 

Lucy Ann. I want to go, too, ma, I want to go, too ! 

Caroline. Wall, you got to be a good gal. 

(Lucy Ann runs to her.) 

Frances. And you, Sophia? 

Sophia. Guess I'll go along, too. Reckon the men 
won't think none the less of us in the end. 

(She joins others and is welcomed.) 

Frances (to Sis). And you? 

Charlie (going to her with outstretched arms). You 
won't never desert me, will you, Sis? 

Sis. No, course not, Charlie, but I hain't gonna miss no 
fun ! (Runs to others and is welcomed.) 

Frances. On then, sisters, to our work ; I have all pre- 
pared. 

(Exit ', r.) 

All the Women (as they exit). Votes for Women ! 
Seth (after their exit). Wall, I'll be blamed ! 



FRANCES THE SUFFRAGETTE 31 

Cy. You can't do nothing with the women, Seth, you 
can't do nothing with the women. 

Charlie. What am 1 a-gonna do without Sis? 

(Crash of glass out side.) 

Sam {rushing in c. ). They are smashing all the windows 
in Dr. Wilson's office, and he's furious ! (Rushes out. 
Another smash. He rushes in again.') There goes Lem 
Wetherbee's grocery store windows ! (Another smash.) 

Ham (the men have risen at entrance of Sam). Good 
land, what are we a-gonna do ? 

Seth. Cy, ye're the constable ; go out and arrest those 
women. 

Cy. What! Out there? Never! Idasn't. You can't 
do nothing with the women. (Drum heard.) Land er 
Goshen, here they come ! 

(Men hide under table and behind chairs. Women enter c. 
with banners, mottoes, badges and flags. Lucy Ann 
heads the procession with a drum.) 

All the Women (shouting as they march). Votes for 
Women ! We Demand the Ballot ! Give Us Equal 
Rights ! We Are Not Slaves ! 



curtain 



ACT III 

SCENE.™ Garden at Wilkin s home. Garden seats L. 
and r. Seats should hold three people each, no more. 
Tivo single garden chairs up L. and R. Bush down ex- 
treme l. If desired the lines may be slightly altered, and 
the interior scene of Act II be used. 

Frances (entering down L., as though from house). 
There is no one in sight. It may be safe to venture forth. 
I have not been out of the house all day, and I must get a 
breath of fresh air. (Half opens parasol and goes up L.) 
No, I must not go that way. That is the way to the village, 
and I might meet some one. 1 will take a walk down this 
lane. {Opens parasol and starts R.) Dear me, I forgot; 
Cy Jones lives down that lane. I dare not go that way. 
(Conies do7un c.) Dare not? Frances Oliver, you are 
afraid, actually afraid. (Closes parasol, sits on bench R., 
and laughs.) Afraid because you have broken a few win- 
dows. (Laughs.) Where are all the grand resolves you 
made in London ? All your glorious exultation in your life- 
work ? Gone ! Swallowed up in a feminine fear of the 
village constable. (Laughs.) Well, 1 certainly have en- 
tered into my life-work. I have awakened the women of 
this village to a realization of the downtrodden condition 
woman has occupied for centuries. I am a full-fledged suf- 
fragette, with a following. But by the way, where is my fol- 
lowing? I have not seen one of them since last night. 
Even Florence has deserted me. Are they afraid, too? 
(Laughs.) Well, it all goes to prove that woman has been 
kept in a servile condition so long ! oh, so long ! that even 
a slight attempt to assert her rights brings an aftermath of 
panic. (Madeline and Ruth enter r. Madeline touches 
Frances on slwulder. Frances starts, turns, sees Made- 
line.) Oh, it is you, Madeline. I thought you were ■ 

(Laughs.) I thought you were the constable. 

Madeline. You mean Cy Jones. Ruth and I have 
been watching his house all day, waiting for a chance to 
slip over here. Saw him start for the village a few minutes 
ago, and we ran over here at once. 

3 2 



FRANCES THE SUFFRAGETTE 33 

Ruth {frightened). What do you think they will do to 
us, Miss Oliver ? 

Frances. I am sure I do not know. Put us in the 
lock-up, probably. {Laughs.) 

Madeline. How can you laugh, Miss Oliver? Just 
think, if Archibald were to hear that I had been in jail he 
might break his engagement with me, and I should have to 
give back my lovely diamond ring. 

{Looks at ring and kisses it.) 

Ruth (looking off up r.). Here comes Rosamond. 

Rosamond {entering r.). I have found you at last, 
Madeline. I have been hurrying after you all the way from 
the meadows. Saw you crossing the stile there. What are 
we going to do, Miss Oliver? 

(Frances shrugs shoulders.) 

Frances. Why not wait and see what the men do? 

Ruth. Let us all go and hide somewhere. 

Madeline. I have an aunt over at Millerstown. We 
might go there. 

Ruth. Whatever we do we must do quickly. 

Florence {entering cautiously l. , as from house). I 
thought I heard you girls talking to Cousin Frances. I did 
not dare to come out until I was sure. Has anything hap- 
pened? {Anxiously.) 

Rosamond. Not yet. 

Ruth. We are all going over to Millerstown to hide. 

Madeline. Yes, to my Aunt Kate's. 

Florence. For mercy sakes, hurry then. The men may 
be here any minute. 

Frances. The men? {Laughs.) Oh, girls, just think 
how ridiculous it is. You who were so brave last night that 
you waved banners, smashed windows, and demanded your 
rights, are now afraid of a few men. What a parody on our 
sex. {Laughs.) 

Madeline. You may laugh if you want to, but for my 
part I see nothing to laugh at. 

Rosamond. Nor I. 

Ruth. Nor I. 

Florence {coming do si to Frances l.). You are the 



34 FRANCES THE SUFFRAGETTE 

one who got us into this scrape, Cousin Frances. You 
must advise us. 

Madeline {advancing on other side of Frances). Yes, 
and if I lose my Archibald you will be to blame. 

(Ruth and Rosamond behind bench.) 

Caroline (entering up l., with Sophia, Sis andMns. J. 
She advances on Frances, l. Florence is pushed behind 
bench). And if I don't git voted in again as postmistress 
I'll hold you responsible ! 

Sophia (pushing in between Caroline and Frances). 
And if I don't git any more proposals, you'll wish you 
hadn't come here a-speechmaking. 

Sis (pushing in betiuee?i Sophia and Frances). And if 
I lose my Charlie I'll never forgive you ; it will just break 
my heart ! (Sobs.) 

Mrs. J. (pus hi ?ig in bettveen Sis and Frances). Maybe 
you think because I'm the constable's wife I hain't scart; 
but Cy he's mad clear through, and he'd shut me up in the 
lock-up as quick as wink. 

(They gather around Frances angrily.*) 

Florence. You are sitting there, Cousin Frances, not 
saying a word, but it is my opinion that you are as fright- 
ened as any of us. 

Frances. Me afraid ? Of what ? Of a few men ? Of 
Cy Jones, Seth Brown, Ham Thompson and the rest? 
Never ! All this cowardly talk simply proves what I have 
been teaching. Woman has been kept in subjection so long 
that she has neither high ambition, courage, nor bravery to 
face her tyrants. (Rises.) Are you not ashamed to stand 
there and upbraid me? Me, who have sacrificed everything 
to the great cause? To tell me that I am afraid ! After 
what I've seen and done in London ? Why, I do not know 
what fear is. If I did have a few moments' dread my cour- 
age has all returned to me. Put all the blame on me ! I 
am now ready to face anything ! 

All. Oh, you are brave, Miss Oliver ! 

Madeline. You revive our courage. 

Frances. Yes, I will go to jail if need be. Aye, even 
to the stake. (Suddenly in great fear.) Oh, I saw a snake 
run under that bush ! 



FRANCES THE SUFFRAGETTE 35 

All (in terror and drawing back). A snake ! 
Frances. It was either a snake or a mouse ! 
All. A mouse ! 

{Scream, jump on garden seats. Frances tries to get up, 
too, but there is no room. She runs about stage in 
fear.) 

Frances. Where are all the men ? Will they never 
come? Scream louder, girls, I cannot; I think I am going 
to faint. 

Madeline {looking r.). Mercy, here comes Dr. Wilson ! 

Ruth. Let us run ! 

Florence. But the mouse? 

Sophia. Make a dash all together and it can't get us. 

{All but Frances run out l.) 

Frances (follozving them upL.). Don't leave me, girls ! 
Don't leave me ! 

Dr. W. (entering r.). Frances ! 

Frances (running to him). Oh, I am so glad you came. 
There is a snake, or a mouse, or some dreadful creature 
under that bush. I saw it go under myself, and all those 
women ran away and left me. 

Dr. W. The women have deserted you, but one of the 
historic tyrants and oppressors of your sex is here and will 
protect you. 

(He makes this speech in a mock bombastic manner. Goes 
to bush and beats it with a cane. ) 

Frances. Oh, it was a snake ! I saw it wriggle away 
down the lane. (Sinks on bench R., exhausted.) Oh, I 
am so glad you came. 

Dr. W. (coming to her). Well, I am glad that at last 
there is one occasion when you have expressed yourself as 
glad to see me. Frances, T came here to-day very angry 
and determined to help Cy Jones punish you women. But, 
Fiances, when I see you — my heart melts. (Sits beside her 
on bench.) I wonder if we could ever again 

Frances. There, there, Paul, do not get sentimental. 
You know we gave all that up over a year ago, when I went 
abroad. 



36 FRANCES THE SUFFRAGETTE 

Dr. W. Yes, you did. To begin your "life-work," as 
you call it. 

Frances. Why did you leave your practice in the city ? 

Dr. W. (who has risen). Because I needed a rest, 
and because I couldn't remain and hear you spoken of as 
that " matchless woman" who had "given up everything 
for the cause." To hear you called a " wonderful politician " 
and a "great orator." The pity of the men was the worst. 
I think I could have stood even that, however, if I had not 
heard your name hawked about the city streets by the news- 
boys. Think of it, the name of my fiancee ! 

Frances ( going to him and putting her hand on his 
lips). Hush, hush. Don't say that. They do not know 
here. 

Dr. W. Well, let them know it, and let me protect you. 
You need me, Frances — and I need you. 

Frances. Hush, hush. Please go. Here they all come. 

(The women enter in a frightened group l. They are fol- 
lowed by Cy, Seth and Ham. Women cross to R., be- 
hind bench. Frances is seated on bench R. once more. 
Men stay L.) 

{Exit Dr. W., down L.) 

Cy (a). I'm a-gonna settle this thing right here and 
now. Hain't a-gonna be no such times here as we had last 
night. Not while I'm constable. 

Sis. Oh, I wish Charlie was here. I'm scart to death ! 

Cy. Lem Wetherbee he's mad, an' Doc Wilson, he came 
over this morning and asked me to arrest those women, and 
I intend to do it. I hain't told none of the village about 
this here examination, 'cause we don't want no rabble here. 
I'm a-gonna give the women a fair show. Seth and Ham, 
ye're selectmen. I'll ax you to help me sift this durned 
affair. 

Caroline. Seems to me ye're mighty brave to-day, Cy 
Jones. You didn't dast to touch us last night. 

Cv. Now, I hain't a-gonna take no back talk from you, 
Caroline Spruce. My wife has been a-bossing of me around 
for the last ten years, but this village hain't a-gonna be run 
by a passel of women. Seth Brown, I'll ax you a few ques- 
tions fust. 



FRANCES THE SUFFRAGETTE 37 

(Seth comes to him.) 

Sophia. Don't you dare say nothing agin us, Seth 
Brown. 

Cy. Sophia, you keep quiet. Hain't gonna be no in- 
timidation of witnesses here. Seth, where were you last 
night? 

Seth. Wall, I reckon I was at Miss Oliver's reception. 

Cy. What happened there? 

Seth. Wall, we had a mighty fine supper for one thing. 

Cy. Now, Seth, don't you go a-gittin' fresh. You tell 
me what happened. 

Seth. Nothing much, 'cept the women got up a little 
entertainment for us to liven things up a bit. 

Cy. Warn't there some window-smashing? 

Seth. I didn't see none. Now you look-a-here, Cy, if 
you think I'm a-gonna help you put a lot of defenseless 
females in the lock-up, ye're making a big mistake. 

{All the women except Frances applaud.) 

Cy. The law don't allow no window-smashing. 

Frances (rising). Oh, the mockery of it. The law 
does not allow. I wonder at the blindness and injustice of 
man. Woman has nothing to do with the making of the 
laws, not one small voice. But she must keep them. Oh, 
yes, she must keep them, or man, who made them for her, 
will try her, condemn her, judge her, and finally be her 
jailer. Is it not hilariously amusing? Or it would be if it 
were not so serious. (Sits.) 

Cy. That will do, Miss Oliver. You hain't called upon 
to speak. Ham, where were you last night? 

(Ham comes forward to Cy ; Seth goes l.) 

Ham. At Miss Oliver's reception. 

Cy. Who was there ? 

Ham. Wall, the widders was there. 

Cv. Now,. I hain't axing you about the widders. You 
tell me about the window-smashing and destruction of 
property. 

Ham. I didn't see none. 

Cy. Wall, what did you hear ? 

Ham. My hearing hain't been very good sence I had 
that last spell of rheumatics, Cy. 



38 FRANCES THE SUFFRAGETTE 

Cy. Hain't nobody here got the courage to stand up 
and tell the truth? Where's Deacon Penniman ? 

Sophia. He's gone to bed sick again. Says he hain't 
well enough to give no testimony. 

Cy. You women keep quiet. Where's Charlie Fuller? 

Caroline. He's gone off on his route. You can't in- 
terfere with the United States mail, Cy Jones. Folks has 
got to git their letters, anyhow. 

Cy. Didn't I tell you women to keep quiet? When I 
want you to speak I'll tell ye. Bring in Sam Judkins, the 
hired man. He saw it all. 

Seth. Reckon he's about a hundred miles from here by 
this time. He's gone off for his health. 

Cy. Seth Brown, you've been a-spirilingof the witnesses ! 

Seth (shouting). Prove it, Cy ! Prove it ! 

{Enter Charlie up l.) 

Caroline. For the land sakes, here's Charlie. 

Cy. You come just in time, Charlie. Maybe you'll help 
me settle this business. 

Charlie. Well, let me attend to Uncle Sam's business 
first. (Crosses r. to Frances.) Miss Oliver, here's a 
special delivery letter for you. (Gives letter. ,) And one 
for you, too, Cy. 

(Goes to him. Gives letter. Frances and Cy open letters. 
Frances looks pleased. Cy looks angry.) 

Cy. Land er Goshen ! Listen to this. (Reads letter 
aloud.) ''Cy Jones. I've just heered as how a lot of the 
women over to Hillsville went on some sort of a spree last 
night, and that ye're a -gonna put them in the lock-up. I've 
also heered that Caroline Spruce is one of the women. Now 
don't you dast lay a hand on Caroline. Maybe you don't 
know that she's a-gonna marry me. She said yes over a 
month ago, and I'm jest a-waiting for her to set the day. 
Now you mind what I say, Cy, or I'll bring the Millerstown 
Fire Department over and wipe Hillsville off the map. 
Hain't no fooling about this, Cy. Ben Hawkins, Postmas- 
ter, Millerstown." 

(Enter Dr. YV\, quietly, down L.) 

Sophia. Caroline Spruce, I alius said you was a design- 
ing critter. How'd you git Ben Hawkins? 



FRANCES THE SUFFRAGETTE 39 

Caroline. Now, you look-a-here, Sophia. I told you I 
warn't one to talk about my heart affairs. Hain't no better 
match in the county than Ben Hawkins. 

Sophia. I'll just go and git married myself, that's what 
I'll do. 

Ham. That offer's still open, Sophia. 

Sophia. All right, Ham, I'll take ye. 

{They throw kisses at each other.} 

Seth. And hain't I a-gonna git one of them widders 
after all ? 

Cy. Now, see here, this hain't no matrimonial bureau. 
Land er Goshen ! Does Ben Hawkins think I'm afraid of 
him? Wall, I hain't, nor the hull of Millerstown either. 
I'll put them women in the lock-up now, or 

Dr. W. {going up l. a). Cy Jones, we will stop this 
thing right now. I've just paid Lem Wetherbee for his 
window, and we both withdraw our charges. 

Cy {coming down to him a?igrily). No, you don't ! 
You hain't a-gonna make a fool of me that way. 

Dr. W. Now, Cy, don't get angry. I have been con- 
sidering this matter from a different standpoint, and I have 
come to the conclusion that perhaps woman has not had a 
fair chance in the world. The past century has seen a de- 
cided improvement in her condition. There is no doubt 
that a great force is working in the world in her behalf. I 
am not quite converted to woman's suffrage, and I don't like 
this militant business, but let us men not interfere too much. 
Woman may be working out her own salvation. 

Frances {going to him l. a). Thank you, Paul, for 
those brave and just words. 

Dr. W. What is your letter, Frances ? 

Frances. A great honor has been conferred upon me. 
The new League of American Militant Suffragettes have 
elected me their leader. 

Dr. W. And your answer? 

Frances. It will depend upon you. I shall gladly ac- 
cept if you will return to your practice in the city and let 
me prove to the world that a woman can be a suffragette and 
still do her duty to her home and husband. I know I have 
failed dismally in the past. Will you give me another 
chance, Paul ? 



40 FRANCES THE SUFFRAGETTE 

Dr. W. I say yes, from my heart. 

{Takes her in his arms.) 

Sophia. Her husband ! 

Frances. Yes. I am engaged to Dr. Wilson. {Turns 
to men.) And now a word with these good men here. 
Have I not made one convert to the great cause ? Cy Jones, 
don't you really think women ought to have the vote? 

Cy. Land er Goshen, no ! 

(Frances shrinks back to Dr. W.) 

Seth (corning down a). Now, look-a-here, Miss Oliver, 
it hain't no use talking to us men. We're too sot. We 
can't cry Votes for Women ! just yet. But there's one thing 
we can cry ; but fust let us have all the men in. Come on 
in, Deacon Penniman. You won't have to give no testimony. 

(Deacon looks in up l.) 

Deacon {entering l., and standing up l. a). I hain't 
got nothing agin the women. 

Seth. That's all right, Deacon. You come in, too, Sam 
Judkins. Guess you must have missed your train over at 
Millersiown. No need to hide. Hain't gonna be no trial. 

Sam {entering i,.). I'm glad I missed my train, then. 

L.UCY Ann {entering l. down stage and running up 
stage r. to Caroline). Where's my ma? I want my ma ! 

Caroline {folding her in her arms). Land sakes. I 
forgot all about Lucy Ann ! 

Seth. Now this is what we're a-gonna cry. I'll be 
blamed but Cy Jones will shout it, too. Now altogether. 
We're a-goin' to let the women know we admire their spunk. 
Now, Three Cheers for Women ! 

( Men give three rousing cheers and a tiger. At curtain the 
men stand down l. The women in group in front of 
bench doiun r. Frances and Dr. W. up c.) 



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